Jul 22, 2019 18:15:15 GMT
jojo1
Brand New Budgie
Posts: 27
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Post by jojo1 on Aug 26, 2019 18:53:11 GMT
I'm pretty sure I read somewhere on here that we shouldn't have to trim their beaks or nails. But, my bird's nails are getting long. They aren't bothering him or anything. I'm just curious if I should cut them, or take him to a vet to do it, or what?
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Post by Hezz on Aug 26, 2019 19:27:52 GMT
Do nothing. Budgie nails do seem to be long to us; they are not like cat or dog claws, these are needed to help with perching. If your bird can walk around on a flat surface without the nails lifting the toes off the surface, then the nails are the length they should be. A small lift of the tip of the toes is even okay. Making sure all perches are of varying thicknesses and textures is the most import tool you can give for your bird's claws. Having all small perches will mean the claws will not get a work out when the bird is moving about. When a bird perches, it is resting on the bottom of its feet when still, but as soon as it starts to move the claws give grip and help balance. Perches should be thick enough for the feet to curl no more than 2/3 the way around the perch on those inside the cage. Outside, where the bird is generally being more active, a few twiggy sticks as well as thick branches are fine, but variety is the main thing. Dowel rods are not good, neither are plastic perches and most cages come with either one of these.
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Jul 22, 2019 18:15:15 GMT
jojo1
Brand New Budgie
Posts: 27
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Post by jojo1 on Aug 26, 2019 23:13:18 GMT
Ok. Thanks. We do have the dowels and only a couple ropes, so I will be getting some more. I did not know that. And I am so very glad I dont have to trim them. That would not be fun. Lol
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Post by samwiseg on Aug 27, 2019 7:59:17 GMT
Only time you should trim a birds nails is if they are impeding him in any way moving around or if they start to grow into his feet. But if you start, you will always have to keep trimmming them which can be stressful for you and the bird concerned. My lot usually like to sit on top of their cuttle frequently (I have it positioned like a surf board) so that it wears down their nails naturally
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Post by Hezz on Aug 27, 2019 8:36:04 GMT
Rope perches are not good for their feet, they offer them no resistance at all. The only reason you may want to consider a rope perch is for a bird that has foot or leg problems, such as arthritis or bumblefoot. Personally I think they are a bad thing to have in the cage all the time. Then you have the added worry of the birds chewing on the rope as well.
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Oct 6, 2011 7:41:27 GMT
Marianne Marlow
Administrator
George, Daisy, Iris, Billy, Peter, Chipper, Dinku, Barney, Ayla and Rocky
Posts: 28,743
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Post by Marianne Marlow on Aug 27, 2019 9:41:19 GMT
I have a cage with rope perches inside, but it's for two birds that are not good at getting about.
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Jul 22, 2019 18:15:15 GMT
jojo1
Brand New Budgie
Posts: 27
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Post by jojo1 on Aug 27, 2019 15:08:54 GMT
The rope is not actual rope and it is outside the cage. It is one of the spiral ones with a bell at the bottom. I will be getting other perches besides the dowels, now that I know, but I'm going to leave the one hanging in the house. The cuttlebone is a great idea. I have one on the side of the cage but I didnt think about laying it down. Thanks! The nails aren't bothering him. I just didnt know if it should be done or not. I've never owned a bird before. Thanks all
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Post by Hezz on Aug 28, 2019 19:27:39 GMT
You are talking of the twisted cotton rope perches that hold their shape from a piece of wire running through the middle of them, and yes, with a bell on the end. Some people call these boings. Cotton has a long fibre strand that is harder for the birds' digestive system to break down, if they ingest any. Just be aware of the potential risk and check that it is not being nibbled on at least every week.
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